Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has dismissed claims that he bestowed himself with the "H.E" title, saying the label was coined by supporters during an opposition meeting in Taita Taveta and reflected their confidence in his political future.
Speaking on The Explainer on Citizen TV on Tuesday night, Sifuna said the title emerged organically after young supporters encouraged him not to focus on political positions he had lost, insisting that greater opportunities lay ahead.
Responding to questions about the increasingly common "H.E" reference at opposition events, the Nairobi Senator recounted how the idea first surfaced during one of the opposition's public engagements.
"We went into this meeting in Taita Taveta, and these young people, on the back of all this information about everything that has been taken away, tell me, 'You need not worry.' All these positions, some of them were given by Raila, but most of them are given by the public. We are saying there is something better we feel would suit you. I'm sure it would roll off your tongue if you just say H.E, si mbaya," Sifuna said.
He maintained that the title was never his own creation but rather an expression of optimism from supporters who believe the opposition has a bigger political future.
Sifuna also pointed to what he described as growing public enthusiasm for the opposition coalition, saying the reception it has received during recent political tours has strengthened his confidence ahead of the 2027 General Election.
"I want to thank everybody who has shown up because everywhere that we've gone, the people have been amazing," he said.
According to the senator, the crowds attending opposition rallies demonstrate a growing desire among Kenyans for a different style of leadership.
"I can tell you now that I can see the light at the end of the tunnel because there is a general yearning in the country for things to be done differently. They're telling us they want to see a different country, and they believe that the leadership team can actually deliver that change they are hoping to see," he said.
Sifuna added that public support remains the ultimate test of political leadership, recalling advice often given by ODM leader Raila Odinga.
"Raila always used to say that in times of difficulty for any political leader, just go back to the people, and if the people keep showing up for you, then you have nothing to worry about," he said.
The senator also argued that recent opposition engagements had largely answered questions about where ODM supporters stand following the party's cooperation agreement with the Kenya Kwanza administration.
"We now believe that controversy has been settled. A vast majority of members of ODM are with us, and that is very comforting because I have worked with those people for years as their Secretary-General," Sifuna said.
He pledged to continue explaining the opposition's political decisions to supporters, saying leaders must remain accountable to the people.
"I will continue to be myself. I will continue to speak truth to power. We have a responsibility to explain every decision that we have taken, our successes, our failures and our next steps," he said.
Sifuna has been at the forefront of opposition campaigns under the Linda Mwananchi movement alongside former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa and Siaya Governor James Orengo. The leaders have been holding rallies across the country as they seek to consolidate support and position themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election.